SIDE-BY-SIDE RIFLE

PROGRESS SÉRIE 3
  • BIG GAME HUNTING

    FOR DRIVEN GAME and PLAIN GAME HUNTING

  • ACCURATE

    Convergency severely controlled in our 3 step regulation process

  • BESPOKE

    Tailored gun from the « Classic » Level

  • QUALITY

    Our exceptional Turkish walnut are chosen with the greatest care

TYPE OF FINISH

The hunting rifle for the demanding hunter

The side-by-side express rifle is designed for the experienced hunter: two barrels side by side, rifled barrels, maximum responsiveness and natural balance. Designed for situations where speed of execution and mechanical clarity are essential (driven hunts, close stalking, stand hunting), it offers an instinctive second shot while remaining compatible with modern optical mounting systems.

 

What is a side-by-side express rifle?

A side-by-side express rifle features two barrels positioned side by side, both rifled, and is designed to fire bullets rather than shot. Its robust action and barrel alignment provide natural handling and allow for an immediate second shot without complex reloading. This type of mechanism is particularly valued in driven hunts and stalking, where reaction time is critical.

Why choose a side-by-side express rifle?

Choose a side-by-side express rifle for an instinctive second shot, a crisp mechanical action and a natural balance that supports performance in driven hunts and close-range stalking.

The side-by-side hunting rifle combines immediate ergonomics with a very intuitive “read” of the shot—qualities sought by hunters who value the repeatability of their movement as much as the accuracy of the projectile.

To choose the right side-by-side express rifle, focus on three key pillars: caliber, optics and ergonomics (weight, balance, extractors/ejectors). These factors determine trajectory, recoil, shot consistency and ease of use in the field—critical elements in driven hunts and stalking. The sections below provide detailed guidance on calibers, sighting solutions (scope vs red dot) and equipment choices depending on your hunting practice.

Carabines Rols Artisan

Choosing your side-by-side hunting rifle: practical criteria

Which caliber should you choose?

Choose the caliber of your rifle based on the game you are targeting, your usual shooting distances and your tolerance to recoil. The caliber determines the trajectory of the shot, the impact energy and the level of felt recoil.

Scope, red dot or open sights?

A red dot sight allows for faster target acquisition in close stalking and driven hunts, while a hunting rifle scope is preferable for shots at 100 meters and beyond. For close-range stalking or driven hunts, a red dot sight for an express rifle can be more effective.

Weight, balance, extractors/ejectors

For long walks, choose a lightweight and well-balanced hunting rifle. Check whether the model features extractors (simplicity, durability) or ejectors (faster ejection), as well as the quality of the wood, the finish and the available accessories (sling, caps, inserts).

Why choose a Chapuis Armes rifle?

Chapuis combines artisanal heritage with modern industrial capabilities: in-house workshops, bespoke production and high-precision machining, resulting in refined finishes and meticulously calibrated adjustments.

Before finalizing your choice, make sure that the available technical options (extractors or ejectors, compatibility with scope or red dot mounts, stock and wood variations) match your expectations.

Comparison of hunting rifles

Hunting rifles are divided into several categories, whose operating mechanisms directly influence their use: manual operation, rate of fire, handling, optics compatibility and maintenance requirements. Below are the key points to understand in order to choose the rifle best suited to your needs.

Bolt-action rifles are characterized by a manually operated bolt: by working the bolt handle, the action is opened, the fired case is extracted, and then closed again to chamber a new cartridge. This simple and robust mechanism provides excellent reliability, outstanding accuracy and ease of maintenance, which explains their popularity among hunters for a wide range of uses.

There are also “straight-pull” bolt-action rifles, where the cycling motion is more direct and optimized. This allows for smoother handling and a significantly faster rate of fire compared to a conventional bolt-action system.

Lever-action rifles use a traditional manual repeating system, still appreciated by many shooters and hunters. By operating the lever located behind the trigger guard, the action is opened, the spent case is ejected and a new cartridge is chambered in one smooth motion. After a short learning curve, the lever can be operated quickly—often with the thumb—making this mechanism particularly well suited for shooting moving game.

Semi-automatic rifles use the energy generated by the shot to automatically cycle the action and chamber the next cartridge: the shooter simply needs to release and pull the trigger between each shot. In France, regulations applicable to Category C semi-automatic firearms limit consecutive firing to three rounds. This operating system makes these models particularly well suited for driven hunts, where fast-moving game may require successive shots.

A pump-action rifle is cycled by operating a sliding forend located under the barrel: by moving it back and forth, the bolt travels along a rail, ejects the spent case and chambers a new cartridge. This simple and robust mechanism allows for a fast shooting cycle once mastered.

An express rifle is a high-end hunting firearm with break-action barrels (side-by-side or over-and-under), combining refined craftsmanship with operational efficiency. It is particularly well suited for driven hunts: its two barrels allow for two consecutive shots while maintaining sight alignment and stability for fast and accurate shooting.

For example: the X4 side-by-side express rifle.

Side-by-side vs over-and-under: which one should you choose?

The side-by-side favors an instant second shot and intuitive handling—excellent for driven hunts and close-range stalking.
The over-and-under often provides a better swing for shooting moving targets.

Accessories available for your side-by-side rifle

To complement your hunting rifle, Chapuis offers a range of accessories designed to improve accuracy, comfort and durability—whether for a side-by-side rifle dedicated to driven hunts or a high-end express rifle focused on refined finishes.

  • Sights / optics: adjustable scopes for long-range and supported shooting, or red dot sights for ultra-fast target acquisition in driven hunts. Choose optics according to the caliber and always check compatibility with your rifle (clearance, trigger guard, mounts).
  • Stocks: replacement stocks in rubber or composite to improve grip and recoil absorption; particularly useful for adapting the ergonomics of a side-by-side rifle to your build.
  • Bipods: useful for stabilizing the rifle from a prone or seated position—opt for a lightweight, adjustable model to avoid adding unnecessary weight during long walks.
  • Muzzle brakes: reduce felt recoil and help regain sight alignment between shots—an excellent addition for an express rifle intended for intensive use.
  • Slings: durable and comfortable slings for carrying the rifle over long distances; improved mobility and real comfort in the field.
  • Cases / sleeves: rigid or soft protection for transport and storage, to be chosen according to frequency of use and conditions (humidity, travel). Cases help protect the finish of a side-by-side rifle during transport.
  • Cleaning kits: essential for maintenance (barrel, chamber, bolt, extractors); regular cleaning preserves accuracy and extends the lifespan of your express rifle.

Maintenance and adjustments for side-by-side express rifles

Regular inspection of the barrel, extractors/ejectors, trigger and optical mounting ensures consistent shot placement. At the range, adjust the mechanism and validate a consistent batch of ammunition for your sight settings—keep a reference batch to maintain repeatability.

FAQ – Everything you need to know about side-by-side hunting rifles

The side-by-side offers an immediate second shot and highly intuitive handling, making it particularly effective in driven hunts where opportunities are brief. The over-and-under may provide a smoother swing and better tracking of moving game, but it remains slightly less instinctive for the second shot than a side-by-side.

Choose a caliber that delivers sufficient impact energy while remaining manageable in terms of recoil for your comfort and accuracy. The .30-06 is a versatile and commonly used option, but the key is to test different types of ammunition at the range to validate real impact performance and shooting consistency with your rifle.

A red dot sight enables faster target acquisition at very short distances and in close-range driven hunts; a scope provides greater precision and stability for supported shots at 100 meters and beyond. Before mounting, always check sight clearance and compatibility of bases and mounts with your side-by-side rifle.

Extractors offer simplicity and long-term mechanical reliability; ejectors provide faster case ejection and quicker reloading. The choice depends on your need for speed: extractors for reliability and ease of maintenance, ejectors if you want to save time between shots.

Check shot consistency using different batches of ammunition, stock comfort, absence of play in the action and trigger quality. Also verify the optical zero, the stability of the mounting system and note the ammunition batches used for future reference.

For driven hunts, a lighter and more responsive trigger is preferred for faster execution; for stalking, a more progressive and controllable trigger is ideal for precision. Always have trigger weight and safety adjustments carried out by a qualified gunsmith.

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